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Indian Athletes Face Disappointment on Day 12 of Paris Olympics 2024Day 12 of the ongoing Paris Olympics 2024 brought mixed fortunes for Indian athletes, with weightlifter Mirabai Chanu narrowly missing out on a bronze medal and wrestler Vinesh Phogat being disqualified from the gold medal match.WeightliftingMirabai Chanu, India's weightlifting star, had a disappointing outing in the women's 49kg category. She lifted 88kg in snatch, putting her in contention for a medal. However, she could only manage 111kg in clean and jerk, resulting in a total lift of 199kg. This placed her fourth overall, just short of a historic second Olympic medal.WrestlingVinesh Phogat's Olympic journey came to an abrupt end when she was disqualified from the women's 50kg gold medal match for failing to make weight. She was reportedly found to be 100gm overweight on the morning of the bout. Phogat, who had been a medal contender, expressed her disappointment on social media, announcing her retirement from wrestling.Table TennisIndia's women's table tennis team, consisting of Sreeja Akula, Manika Batra, and Archana Ghosh, suffered a 1-3 defeat to Germany in the quarter-finals. The team had a strong start, winning the first game, but Germany fought back to claim the next three games and advance to the semi-finals.AthleticsIn athletics, Avinash Sable finished 11th in the men's 3000m steeplechase final with a time of 8:14:18s. Jyothi Yarraji placed seventh in the women's 100m hurdles heats. Other Indian athletes, including Sarvesh Kushare, Suraj Panwar, Priyanka Goswami, and Annu Rani, failed to qualify for their respective finals.

Indian wrestler Antim Panghal's Olympic debut in Paris has taken a disastrous turn after she was disqualified and deported for a serious breach of protocol. The incident has cast a shadow over the Indian contingent's participation in the Games.Panghal's troubles began after she was eliminated from the women's 53 kg wrestling event. She returned to her hotel, where her designated coach Bhagat Singh and actual coach Vikas were staying. Panghal handed her official accreditation to her younger sister Nisha to collect her belongings from the Olympic Games Village.However, Nisha was caught by security using the accreditation, which is strictly prohibited. She was detained by Paris police and questioned before being released. As a result, Antim's accreditation was revoked, and she will be deported back to India along with her entourage.The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) has issued an official statement condemning the incident. "Indian wrestler Antim Panghal and her support staff to be flown back from Olympics following disciplinary breach in Paris," the statement read.The situation worsened when Panghal's personal support staff, Vikas and Bhagat, allegedly traveled in an inebriated state in a cab and refused to pay the fare. The driver called the police, further embarrassing the Indian contingent."We are fighting fire as of now," said an IOA source. "We have a bad situation at hand, our security officer is dealing with the situation."Panghal's Olympic hopes were dashed after she suffered a crushing 0-10 defeat to Turkish opponent Yetgil Zeynep in the first round. Despite the loss, she had a slim chance of qualifying for the repechage if Zeynep reached the final. However, Zeynep lost in the quarterfinals, ending Panghal's hopes of a medal.The incident has raised serious questions about the discipline and conduct of the Indian contingent at the Olympics. The IOA has vowed to take strict action against those responsible for the breach of protocol.

Weight Management in Wrestling: A Delicate BalanceIn the world of wrestling, athletes must navigate a precarious path between maintaining their weight below a specific threshold and preserving the energy necessary for competition. This delicate balance was highlighted in the recent disqualification of Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat from the Paris Games.The Weight Cut ProcessPrior to weigh-ins, wrestlers undergo a calculated "weight cut" to fit into their preferred weight category. This involves shedding excess weight through a combination of methods, including:* Hydration Management: Athletes reduce fluid intake to minimize water weight.* Sauna Use: Spending time in a sauna induces sweating, leading to temporary weight loss.* Aerobic Activity: Exercise increases sweating and fluid loss.* Starvation: Limiting food intake can also contribute to weight loss.Replenishment and RecoveryAfter weigh-ins, wrestlers replenish fluids and nutrients to prevent dehydration and restore energy levels. However, excessive replenishment can lead to weight gain.Muscle Mass PreservationWhile wrestlers aim to shed fat and fluid, they must also preserve muscle mass, which is crucial for performance. Concurrent strength training can help prevent muscle loss.Individual FactorsThe optimal weight category and weight management strategies vary based on individual factors such as age, body measurements, and training regimen. As athletes age, maintaining a lower weight category becomes more challenging.Consequences of Excessive Weight LossRapid weight loss can have adverse effects, including:* Dehydration* Electrolyte imbalance* Reduced muscle mass* Delayed recovery* Diminished physical performancePhogat's CaseIn Phogat's case, a combination of factors contributed to her disqualification. She competed in a weight category below her natural weight, underwent an excessive weight cut, and failed to replenish adequately after weigh-ins.ConclusionWeight management in wrestling is a complex and demanding process that requires careful planning and supervision by sports science specialists. Athletes must strike a delicate balance between shedding excess weight and preserving the energy and muscle mass necessary for optimal performance.

Vinesh Phogat's Olympic Disqualification: WFI President Demands Action Against Coaches and Support StaffIndia's wrestling contingent in Paris has come under fire after Vinesh Phogat's disqualification from the Olympics due to weight gain. Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) president Sanjay Singh has urged the central government to take strict action against those responsible for the incident.Phogat was disqualified hours before her gold medal bout against Sarah Ann Hildebrandt of the United States after she was found overweight from the permissible limit of 50kg. Singh believes it was the responsibility of Phogat's coaches and support staff to ensure she was within the weight limit."I don't think Vinesh is at fault here. She was performing wonderfully, and the entire responsibility here is of her coach and the supporting staff. A probe should be done to see how her weight increased. I urge the central government to take strict action against them," Singh told PTI.Singh revealed that he had requested the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) and United World Wrestling (UWW) to allow Phogat some relaxation, but his request was denied. "The entire country was expecting a gold medal but she was disqualified due to her weight. I hope God will give her strength, and the entire nation is with her," he added.According to reports, Phogat gained a couple of kilos by Tuesday night. Her coaches and support staff took desperate measures to reduce her weight, including skipping, jogging, cycling, and even cutting her hair. However, nothing worked, and she was still found 100gm overweight.In international wrestling competitions, wrestlers must pass a weigh-in process at the start of the day. In non-medal matches, athletes are given 30 minutes to weigh in multiple times. However, if they are found to be even 1gm overweight, they are disqualified.Phogat had passed the weigh-in process on Tuesday and was allowed to participate in her bouts. She registered historic wins against Yui Susaki of Japan and Oksana Livach of Ukraine. However, she failed the weigh-in on Wednesday and was disqualified, nullifying all her previous results.The WFI president's demand for action against Phogat's coaches and support staff highlights the importance of proper weight management in wrestling. The incident serves as a reminder that athletes and their teams must adhere to the strict weight regulations to avoid disqualification and disappointment.

Vinesh Phogat, India's trailblazing wrestler, made history on Tuesday by becoming the first Indian woman to reach an Olympic wrestling final. However, her triumph was short-lived as she was disqualified from the gold-medal bout on Wednesday due to being overweight.Phogat was scheduled to face American Sarah Hildebrand in the women's 50kg final at the Champ-de-Mars Arena. However, during the weigh-in, she was found to be a few grams over the 50kg limit.The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) released a statement expressing regret over Phogat's disqualification. "Despite the best efforts by the team through the night, she weighed in a few grams over 50kg this morning," the statement read.Phogat's disqualification is a major setback for India's Olympic hopes. She was one of the country's top medal contenders and her absence from the final will be a significant blow.The Indian team has requested privacy for Phogat at this time. "It would like to focus on the competitions on hand," the IOA statement said.Phogat's disqualification highlights the importance of weight management in wrestling. Wrestlers must adhere to strict weight limits in order to compete in their respective weight classes.Phogat's journey to the Olympic final was an inspiring one. She overcame numerous challenges, including injuries and personal setbacks, to reach the pinnacle of her sport. Her disqualification is a reminder that even the most talented athletes can face adversity.Despite the disappointment, Phogat's performance at the Olympics has been a source of pride for India. She has inspired countless young girls and women to pursue their dreams in wrestling.

Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat has secured a spot in the gold medal match of the women's Freestyle 50kg event at the Paris Olympics. Phogat's historic victory came after an emphatic 5-0 win over Yusneylis Guzman Lopez of Cuba in the semifinals.Phogat's journey to the gold medal match began with an impressive win over Yui Susaki in the round of 16, boosting her confidence. The Indian wrestler has been in top form throughout the tournament, showcasing her exceptional skills and determination.Meanwhile, the Indian women's table tennis team, comprising Sreeja Akula, Manika Batra, and Archana Girish Kamath, will face Germany in the quarterfinals. The team will be aiming to continue their impressive run and secure a spot in the semifinals.Another Indian wrestler, Antim Panghal, will also be in action on Wednesday. Panghal will start her campaign against Zyenep Yetgil in the pre-quarterfinals of the women's Freestyle 53kg event.India's medal hopes also rest on weightlifter Mirabai Chanu, who will compete in the women's 49kg event. Chanu, who won a silver medal in Tokyo, will be aiming to become India's first weightlifter to win two Olympic medals. However, she faces a challenging field and lingering fitness concerns.

India's Olympic campaign in Paris 2024 got off to a flying start on Tuesday, with Neeraj Chopra and Vinesh Phogat securing impressive victories.Neeraj Chopra, the reigning Olympic champion in javelin throw, qualified for the final with a mammoth throw of 89.34m on his first attempt. This was his second-best throw ever, behind only his 89.94m effort at the Stockholm Diamond League in 2022.Vinesh Phogat, a three-time Olympian, registered two stunning wins in the women's 50kg freestyle wrestling category. She first defeated Japan's Yui Susaki, a five-time world champion, in a major upset. Phogat then overcame Ukraine's Oksana Vasylivna Livach in the quarterfinals to book her place in the semifinals.Phogat's victories were particularly significant given her recent struggles. She had been a vocal critic of the former President of the Wrestling Federation of India, Brij Bhushan Singh, and had faced backlash for her protests. She also suffered a serious knee injury in 2023, which ruled her out of the Asian Games.Chopra, who is also the reigning world champion, praised Phogat's performance, saying, "This is extraordinary. To beat Susaki is unreal. The effort she has put in shows. After what she has been through, I pray for her that she wins a medal."Phogat, who narrowly missed a bronze medal at the Rio Olympics in 2016, will be aiming to make history in Paris. She is the first Indian woman wrestler to reach the semifinals of an Olympic Games.India's strong start to the Paris Olympics is a testament to the hard work and dedication of its athletes. Chopra and Phogat are both medal contenders, and their performances have raised hopes for a successful Games for India.

The Indian contingent at the Paris Olympic Games 2024 continues to strive for its fourth medal, with shooters having secured three bronze medals thus far. Manu Bhaker played a pivotal role in two of these medals, while Sarabjot Singh and Swapnil Kusale showcased exceptional performances to ensure India's success in shooting. However, the nation faced disappointment in badminton and boxing, with no athletes securing medals in these disciplines.On Tuesday, August 11th, India has the potential to secure two silver medals if favorable results occur. The men's hockey team faces Germany in the semi-final, aiming to guarantee a silver medal by winning the match and advancing to the gold medal contest.In wrestling, India's star performer Vinesh Phogat will take center stage, beginning with her round of 16 match. She faces Yui Susaki of Japan in her first bout, and a victory will propel her to the quarter-final. Phogat could potentially compete in her semi-final match on the same day, assuring India of at least a silver medal in wrestling if she emerges victorious in all three potential matches.India's medal tally could have been significantly higher if certain athletes had converted their fourth-place finishes into podium positions. The nation has already witnessed five fourth-place finishes in the Paris Games, including two in shooting, two in badminton, and one in archery.

Vinesh Phogat, India's wrestling icon, embarks on her quest for Olympic glory at the Paris Olympics 2024, commencing on Tuesday. She faces a formidable challenge in her opening bout against Japan's Yui Susaki, the reigning Olympic champion in the women's 50kg category.Phogat, a world championship bronze medalist and a gold medalist at the Commonwealth Games, Asian Games, and Asian Championships, is determined to start her campaign with a victory. However, Susaki poses a significant obstacle, having won gold at Tokyo 2020 without surrendering a single point. Her undefeated streak since 2010, with the exception of three losses to Yuki Irie, further underscores her dominance.Susaki's exceptional technique has earned her numerous accolades, including gold medals at the 2017 Paris World Wrestling Championships (48kg), 2018 Budapest World Wrestling Championships (50kg), and 2022 World Wrestling Championships (50kg). Her impressive resume also boasts an Olympic gold, five World Championships golds, two Asian Championships golds, and gold medals at the Golden Grand Prix Ivan Yarygin and World U-23 Championships.Phogat faces an arduous task, having suffered a quarterfinal defeat at Tokyo 2020 against Belarusian Vanesa Kaladzinskaya. In her Olympic debut at Rio 2016, she was a medal contender but was forced to withdraw due to a knee injury.Despite the daunting challenge, facing Susaki could prove advantageous for Phogat. As the Japanese wrestler is heavily favored to reach the final, it could open up the repechage route for Phogat, who dropped down to the 50kg category to accommodate Antim Panghal in the 53kg category.Phogat's accomplishments are remarkable, making her the first Indian woman wrestler to win gold at both the Commonwealth Games and Asian Games. She is also the only Indian woman wrestler to win multiple medals at the World Wrestling Championships.